Dante's Inferno Podcast

What’s it REALLY like working behind the scenes at one of the country’s premier comedy clubs? On this episode of Dante’s Inferno Podcast, comedian Dante’ Quitman sits down with fellow Helium Comedy Club Atlanta employees Jarin Lyons, Avery Crider, and Justin Black — the crew running the kitchen and keeping the club fed while some of the biggest names in comedy take the stage. They get into the reality of working at a comedy club, the comics they love watching, the wild world of backstage life, and what it takes to keep a comedy club running when the audience only sees what happens onstage. And then the conversation gets bigger: Could these four eventually open or manage their own comedy clubs? From favorite comedians and memorable club experiences to the business of comedy, this episode goes behind the scenes of the comedy club world and explores what happens when people who work around comedy start thinking about building something of their own. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: • Working at Helium Comedy Club Atlanta • Life behind the scenes at a premier comedy club • Favorite comedians and comics to watch • The kitchen crew's perspective on the comedy business • What makes a comedy club work • The challenges of running a comedy venue • Opening and managing an independent comedy club • Dreams of building something of their own • Comedy, food, backstage stories & plenty of laughs Would you trust these guys to run their own comedy club? Watch the full episode and let us know in the comments which comedian you’d want to see headline their hypothetical club.

This week on Dante's Inferno Podcast, host and comedian Dante' Quitman sits down with fellow stand-up comedian K-Striggss for a hilarious conversation covering comedy, entertainment, and everything in between.

K-Striggss talks about his upcoming performance at the DC Comedy Loft in Washington, DC, sharing what fans can expect and discussing the grind of life as a working comedian. The conversation also takes a nostalgic turn as the two comics break down Bernie Mac's unforgettable scene in House Party and why it remains one of the greatest comedic moments in movie history.

They also dive into the latest movie reviews, pop culture, stand-up stories, and plenty of off-the-cuff laughs that make this episode a must-listen for comedy fans.

If you enjoy stand-up comedy, classic movies, honest reviews, and hilarious conversations, this episode delivers all that and more.

In this episode:

• K-Striggss' upcoming show at the DC Comedy Loft
• Bernie Mac's iconic House Party scene
• New movie reviews
• Stand-up comedy stories
• Pop culture talk
• And plenty of laughs!

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On this episode of Dante's Inferno Podcast, comedian Dante Quitman sits down with fellow comic Pierre Escargot, the 2025 Helium Atlanta's Funniest Competition Runner-Up, for a conversation packed with laughs, insight, and behind-the-scenes comedy stories.

Pierre shares what it was like growing up in California and how that experience helped shape his perspective and comedic voice. The two comics dive into the realities of building a stand-up career, the grind of performing, and the excitement of Pierre advancing once again in this year's Helium Atlanta's Funniest Competition preliminaries.

They also discuss Pierre's recent viral success after one of his stand-up clips exploded online, racking up more than 1 million views and reaching audiences far beyond the comedy club. From navigating newfound attention to staying focused on the craft, Pierre offers an honest look at the highs and challenges of modern comedy.

Whether you're a comedy fan, an aspiring comedian, or just love hearing great stories from the stand-up world, this episode delivers plenty of laughs and inspiration. Tune in for a hilarious and insightful conversation with Dante Quitman and Pierre Escargot.

Two Asheville comedians. The same college. The same hometown. Somehow, they never met until they both moved to Atlanta. On this episode of Dante's Inferno Podcast, host Dante Quitman sits down with fellow comedian, Asheville native, and Western Carolina University alumnus Kenny Stempien to talk about their unlikely connection and shared journey through comedy. The two discuss getting their start in the Asheville comedy scene, attending Western Carolina University at different times, and eventually crossing paths in Atlanta's growing stand-up community. They also dive deep into roast battles, roast culture, writing insults that actually work, and how competitive roasting has influenced their stand-up careers. Whether you're a comedy fan, an aspiring stand-up comic, or interested in the rise of the Asheville and Atlanta comedy scenes, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and behind-the-scenes insights from two comics who found success by embracing the roast. 🎤 Plus, Dante and Kenny promote the upcoming Dante's Inferno Comedy Roast Showcase on August 1st at Third Room in Asheville, North Carolina. Topics include: • Asheville comedy scene • Atlanta stand-up comedy • Western Carolina University alumni • Roast battles and roast culture • Comedy writing and joke structure • Stand-up comedy careers • Dante's Inferno Comedy Roast Showcase • Third Room Asheville Subscribe for more interviews with comedians, roast battle champions, and comedy creators from across the Southeast. #ComedyPodcast #StandUpComedy #RoastBattle #AshevilleComedy #AtlantaComedy #KennyStempien #DanteQuitman #DantesInfernoPodcast #WesternCarolinaUniversity #ComedyInterview

In this episode of Dante's Inferno Podcast, recurring guest Cam Brown of Punchclip Media returns to the show. As the co-producer and videographer behind the Dante's Inferno Comedy Roast Showcase, Cam joins Dante for a wide-ranging conversation covering comedy, fatherhood, and the current state of stand-up.

The two discuss Cam's upcoming journey into parenthood, the behind-the-scenes work that goes into producing comedy shows, and the evolution of the Dante's Inferno Comedy Roast Showcase. They also share their thoughts on the Kevin Hart Roast, break down Tony Hinchcliffe's latest Netflix special, and dive into the ever-changing world of comedy, content creation, and what's next for both of them.

Whether you're a comedy fan, an aspiring creator, or someone who enjoys unfiltered conversations with behind-the-scenes insight, this episode delivers plenty of laughs and honest discussion.

Topics include:

• Cam Brown's upcoming child and becoming a father
• Producing the Dante's Inferno Comedy Roast Showcase
• Comedy production and videography
• Kevin Hart Roast reactions
• Tony Hinchcliffe's Netflix special
• The current comedy landscape
• Content creation and media production
• And much more!

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In this episode of Dante's Inferno Podcast, host and comedian Dante Quitman welcomes the multi-talented Jessica It's All Good for an inspiring conversation about comedy, creativity, and overcoming fear to pursue a career in entertainment.

Jessica It's All Good is an accomplished comedian, author, DJ, MC, teacher, improviser, and motivational speaker whose career spans multiple disciplines in the entertainment industry. She shares the story behind her book, The Cure For Stage Fright: A Memoir: My Journey to the Stage & Lessons Along the Way, offering practical insights on conquering stage fright, building confidence, and developing a lasting presence on stage.

Throughout the interview, Dante and Jessica discuss the importance of clean comedy, how improv comedy strengthens performance skills, the realities of working as a professional comedian, and the mindset required to succeed in today's entertainment industry. Jessica also reflects on balancing her many roles while staying authentic to her mission of inspiring audiences through laughter, education, and positivity.

Whether you're a stand-up comedian, public speaker, performer, educator, or someone looking to overcome fear and build confidence, this episode delivers valuable advice, inspiring stories, and plenty of laughs.

In this episode:

Jessica's journey into stand-up comedy

Her memoir, The Cure For Stage Fright: A Memoir: My Journey to the Stage & Lessons Along the Way

Techniques for overcoming stage fright and performance anxiety

The value of clean comedy in today's entertainment landscape

How improv develops confidence and quick thinking

Lessons from working as a comedian, author, DJ, MC, and teacher

Advice for aspiring comedians, performers, and public speakers

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#StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #CleanComedy #PodcastInterview #PublicSpeaking

On this episode of Dante's Inferno Podcast, comedian Dante' Quitman sits down with fellow comic Will Palomino for an honest conversation about the Atlanta comedy scene, the hustle of grinding through open mics, and why staying true to yourself is the only way to build a lasting career in stand-up.

From navigating different rooms and finding your voice to the lessons learned from bombing, growing, and earning respect one set at a time, Dante' and Will share stories, laughs, and real insight into the life of working comedians. Whether you're a comedy fan, an aspiring comic, or someone chasing a creative dream, this episode offers plenty of laughs and inspiration.

Topics include:

• The Atlanta comedy scene
• The open mic grind
• Finding your authentic voice
• Building confidence on stage
• Life behind the laughs

Subscribe, rate, and share Dante's Inferno Podcast for more conversations with comedians, creators, and entertainers who keep it real.

Comedian Dante Quitman welcomes Atlanta comedian Eddie Carter to Dante's Inferno Podcast. Fresh off his roast battle against Abdul Aziz-Muhammad, Eddie discusses the match, his favorite comedians in the Atlanta comedy scene, and his upcoming move to New York City, the stand-up comedy capital of the world. A must-listen episode for fans of stand-up comedy, roast battles, Atlanta comedians, and the New York comedy scene.

Dante Quitman sits down with rising Atlanta comic Lona The Great for a hilarious and insightful episode of Dante’s Inferno Podcast. Lona opens up about preparing for her first upcoming headlining set at Atlanta’s legendary Star Bar — home of Atlanta’s longest-running comedy show — and what the milestone means for her career.

The two also revisit Lona’s unforgettable performance at the inaugural Dante’s Inferno Comedy Roast Showcase, breaking down the chaos, confidence, and comedy that made the night stand out. Along the way, Lona reflects on sharpening her craft under the mentorship of Lauren Knight at the infamous One Knight Only showcase hosted at Our Bar. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, roast battle memories, and real talk about grinding through Atlanta’s comedy scene, this episode delivers laughs and inspiration for comics and fans alike

On this episode of Dante’s Inferno Podcast, comedian Dante’ Quitman sits down with fellow stand-up comic Andre Castro for an honest, hilarious, and insightful conversation about the grind of comedy, writing clean material, and coming up in the local stand-up scene.

The two comedians reflect on the now-defunct Tin Roof Cantina Open Mic — the legendary spot where they first met and sharpened their craft — and discuss the realities of trying to stand out as comics while staying authentic on stage. Andre Castro opens up about his upbringing, how life experiences shaped his comedy, and the challenges of balancing relatable humor with clean comedy writing in today’s stand-up landscape.

From bombing at open mics to developing stage presence, this episode dives deep into comedy culture, joke writing, stand-up discipline, and the behind-the-scenes struggles comedians face before the spotlight hits. Whether you’re an aspiring comic, a fan of stand-up comedy podcasts, or someone who loves hearing comedians talk shop, this episode delivers laughs, storytelling, and real insight into the comedy world.

Topics include: • Writing clean comedy and finding your comedic voice • Tin Roof Cantina Open Mic memories and Atlanta comedy scene stories • Andre Castro’s upbringing and journey into stand-up comedy • Open mic struggles, bombing on stage, and improving as a comedian • The realities of independent comedy and podcasting

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